Pediatric OncologyKolibriNCT05867186
Fit to Fight Childhood Cancer
An observational study of Pediatric Oncology, run by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz at 1 site in Germany.
Trial summary
The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of exercise on physical performance and psychosocial aspects in children and adolescents with cancer during and after treatment. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 3 to 21 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Pediatric Oncology
- What is being tested?
- Exercise training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGermany
- Study dates
- 20 Jun 2023to 31 Jul 2029
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 3 to 21 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Study population: Eligible are children or adolescents from 3 to 21 years of age with a cancer diagnosis according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC). The term "childhood cancer" is most commonly used to designate cancer that arises in children before the age of 18 years. Since patients older than 18 years (especially in the transition phase from adolescence to young adulthood) can also have paediatric tumour entities, the upper age limit for study inclusion was set at 21 years. The Kolibri study includes patients for whom oncological treatment (regardless of the type of therapy) at the Paediatric Oncology Centre of the University Medical Centre Mainz is planned or already being carried out and who are not in the final stage of the disease.
Who may be able to join
- Oncological disease according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer.
- Planned or started anti-cancer treatment (chemo- and/or radiotherapy and/or surgery) at the Clinic and Polyclinic for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine of the University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz or connection to the Paediatric Oncology Centre Mainz within the framework of aftercare.
- The patient is assessed by the treating team (pediatric oncologist, exercise professional etc.) as suitable to participate in the trial, e.g. due to medical or psychological reasons.
- Existing informed consent (or assent) to participate in the study.
- The patient is not in a terminal phase of the disease.
Who cannot join
- The patient is assessed by the treating team (pediatric oncologist, exercise professional etc.) as unsuitable to participate in the trial, e.g. due to medical or psychological reasons.
- After detailed information and, if necessary, having time to consider, the patient (≥ 16 years of age) did not agree to give written informed consent to participate in the trial. In the case of minor patients (<16 years of age): The legal guardians do not assume that the child/adolescent is able to freely decide on participation or to consent to participation on the basis of the information received, and do not consent to this themselves.
- The patient (and the legal guardians) has/have insufficient knowledge of the German or English language, so that it is not possible to carry out both the informed consent and interviews (in age-appropriate language).
- The patient is in a terminal phase of the disease.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Germany1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Johannes-Gutenberg-University Medical Center
Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, 55131
Elias Dreismickenbecker, 00496131178331, fortee@unimedizin-mainz.de
Joerg Faber, MD
About this study
Official title: Fit to Fight Childhood Cancer: An Explorative Long-term Study on Exercise and Its Influence on Physical Performance and Psychosocial Aspects in Childhood Cancer Patients During and After Cancer Treatment.
The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of exercise on physical performance and psychosocial aspects in children and adolescents with cancer during and after treatment.
Read the detailed description
The longitudinal, prospective and monocentric cohort study at the University Medical Centre Mainz is based on the Europe-wide, multicentre FORTEe study [NCT05289739]. The Kolibri study aims to complement the FORTEe trial. Kolibri allows the inclusion of patients who are not receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy or who are undergoing oncological aftercare.
The longitudinal design of the study will allow the effects of exercise therapy on cancer-related fatigue, health-related quality of life and other psychosocial outcomes, as well as on physical function, to be monitored over the course of oncological treatment, and will provide conclusions about the effectiveness and benefits of exercise therapy. This will enable the establishment and improvement of exercise therapy protocols, as the effects of the exercise dose applied can be observed and compared over time.
The project will also validate and test the reliability of the Mainz Resilience Score in childhood cancer (MRScc) developed in the FORTEe project. The aim is to establish a validated questionnaire to assess resilience in children and adolescents with cancer, as no questionnaires are currently available.
- Conditions
- Pediatric Oncology
- Being tested
- Exercise training
- Keywords
- Paediatric exercise oncology, Precision exercise training, Childhood cancer, Quality of life, Gait, Pain, Cardiorespiratory fitness
- Medical subject headings
- Neoplasms, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exercise trainingBehavioural
Exercise training during intensive cancer treatment, maintenance therapy and aftercare. Training mainly consists of age-appropriate and personalised endurance, strength, flexibility, balance/coordination and gait training. Exercise is provided 3 to 5 times a week lasting for 45 to 60 minutes under supervision during inpatient and outpatient stays, as well as at home. At home, patients train independently according to the exercise recommendations of the exercise professionals, receive supervised telemedical exercise sessions and/or combine their training with digital tools.
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from baseline in cancer-related fatigue score at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Cancer-related fatigue measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. The PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale is composed of 18 items comprising three dimensions. Scores are transformed on a scale from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate lower fatigue.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Secondary outcomes (36)
Change from baseline in the score of resilience (measured by Mainzer Resilience Scale for childhood cancer (MRScc)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Stress reactivity measured by the Mainz Resilience Score for childhood cancer (MRScc). The MRScc consists of 4 dimensions on mental health problems and 6 dimensions on stressor exposure. For both categories mental health problems and stressor exposure 4 - 400 points can be achieved. To calculate the resilience score, the category mental health problems is divided by the category stressor exposure. A score >0 means low resilience, a score < 0 means high resilience.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of resilience (measured by the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Resilience will be evaluated using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). BRS is a 6 item scale, the items are rated from 1 to 5. A total score is calculated by determining the sum of the individual items which result in a total score ranging from 6 to 30. A higher score means a higher resilience.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of resilience (measured by the Child & Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Resilience will be evaluated using the Child \& Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R).
The items within the measures can be directly summed to gain a total score of an individual's resilience. For the unmodified 5-point measure (with responses going from 1-5), the minimum score is 17 and the maximum score is 85. For the overall measure and subscales, higher scores indicate characteristics associated with resilience.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in general self-efficacy score at yearly intervals up to 5 years
General self-efficacy will be evaluated using the General self-efficacy scale (GSE). The total score is calculated by finding the sum of the 10 items. For the GSE, the total score ranges between 10 and 40, with a higher score indicating more self-efficacy.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of physical exercise self-efficacy at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Physical self-efficacy will be evaluated using the Physical exercise self-efficacy scale (PESE). The total score is calculated by finding the sum of the 10 items. For the GSE, the total score ranges between 5 and 20, with a higher score indicating more self-efficacy.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the risk status of pain-related outcomes at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Risk will be evaluated using the Pediatric Pain Screen Tool (PPST). The questionnaire consists of nine items intended to identify a patient's risk status (high, medium, or low) of poor pain-related outcome using established psychosocial prognostic factors. The PPST is adapted from the Keele STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST) and validated for the pediatric population from 8 to 18 years. The PPST contains two subscales: physical and psychosocial items. Summing all items, PPST total scores range from 0 to 9. Psychosocial subscale scores range from 0 to 5 and 0 to 4 for the physical subscale. The low risk group was defined as a PPST total score of 0 to 2 (PPST total cutoff for disability minus the PPST psychosocial subscale cutoff for psychosocial distress). For the high-risk group, a score of 3 or greater for the PPST psychosocial subscale was defined as high-risk, and last, a total PPST score greater than or equal to 3 and psychosocial subscale 0 to 2 were defined as medium risk.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the subjective pain perception (measured with the face pain scale - revised (FPS-R)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
The subjective pain rating will be measured using the Face Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R), that is a self-report measure of the actual, subjective pain intensity developed for children. The FPS-R was adapted from the Faces Pain Scale to make it possible to score the sensation of pain on the 0-to-10 metric in children and adolescents. The scale shows a close linear relationship with visual analog pain scales across the age range of 4-16 years and has already been used and validated with children and adolescents. In addition, a visual analog scale (0-10, VAS) is used to assess the current perception of pain in study participants aged 8 years and older.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the subjective pain perception (measured via visual analog scale (VAS)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
In addition to the face pain scale - revised (FPS-R), a visual analog scale (0-10, VAS) is used to assess the current perception of pain in study participants aged 8 years and older.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the fear of pain (parents) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Parent Fear of Pain will be measured using the Parent Fear of Pain Questionnaire (PFOPQ). The questionnaire intended to assess a parent's pain-related fears and avoidance behaviour. The total scale score reflects parents' own pain-related fear and avoidance in the context of their child's pain, and the four subscale scores reflect: Avoidance, Fear of Pain, Fear of School, and Fear of Movement. Higher scores indicate higher levels of fear. The PFOPQ will be used since Fear and avoidance have been consistently associated with poor pain-related outcomes in children.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of pain vigilance and awareness at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Pain Vigilance and Awareness will be measured using the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire - Child version (PVAQ-C) that consists of 14 items to assess multidimensional aspects of attention to pain sensations in children. Items are rated on a six-point scale, ranging from 0 (never) to 5 (always). Items are summed to create a total score. Attention to pain is thought to be a key mechanism influencing the experience and chronification of pain. Sustained attention to pain is thought to lead to poor outcomes in both adults and children with chronic pain.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level (measured by the Modifed Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (mRPAQ)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Physical activity level will be evaluated using the Modifed Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (mRPAQ).
The duration of listed physical activities were reported (recall time: over the past 7 days). Descriptive Statistics will be performed.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level (measured by the Modified Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire (mYPAQ)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Physical activity level will be evaluated using Modified Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire (mYPAQ).
The duration of listed physical activities were reported (recall time: over the past 7 days). Descriptive Statistics will be performed.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level (measured by the Modified Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire (mCPAQ)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Physical activity level will be evaluated using Modified Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire (mCPAQ).
The duration of listed physical activities were reported (recall time: over the past 7 days). Descriptive Statistics will be performed.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level and behaviour (measured by half-structured interview) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
In a semi-structured interview on physical activity, qualitative data will be collected regarding activity behaviour, motivating factors and barriers to physical activity.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level and behaviour at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Current physical activity and sedentary behaviour will be objectively recorded using an accelerometer. This should be worn during the day for 7 days. Accelerometer readings with at least four valid readings (≥ 500 min/day) will be included in the analysis. The physical activity recorded by the accelerometer will be expressed in "activity counts" (counts per minute, cpm).
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) will be performed during an endurance test to exhaustion to determine the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak).
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change in functional capacity at yearly intervals from baseline up to 5 years
Measured via Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Functional capacity is evaluated by the walked distance.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change in submaximal endurance performance (measured by the assisted 6-minute cycling test) at yearly intervals from baseline up to 5 years
Measured via assisted 6-minute cycling test (A6MCT). Endurance performance is evaluated by the cumulative revolutions after 6 minutes.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in motor function at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Motor function will be measured via the QUICK motor function test.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in lower limbs flexibility at yearly intervals up to 5 years
A goniometer is used to measure the range of motion (ROM) during ankle flexion and extension, as well as knee and hip flexion.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in hamstrings flexibility at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Hamstrings flexibility will be measured via the sit and reach test.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional strength at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Functional strength will be evaluated using the sit to stand test.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in arm/ leg strength at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Arm and leg strength will be evaluated using a handheld dynamometer.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in static balance (measured by the Static Stand Test) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Static balance will be determined with the static stand test. The test requires the test person to stand on one leg for one minute. The number of contacts with the ground is counted. The static stand test has shown to be valid and reliable with children and is feasible with childhood cancer populations.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional/dynamic balance (measured by the Berg Balance Scale) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
To assess functionality in every day life the Berg Balance Scale will be used. The scale consists of 14 items that can be rated with 0 to 4 points, with 0 rating a strong impairment. A maximum of 56 points can be reached.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in phase angle by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis for the examination of body composition at yearly intervals up to 5 years
A multifrequency (5, 50, 100 kHz) bioelectrical impedance analysis is performed using a phase-sensitive impedance analyser (BIAcorpus RX4004M). For this purpose, a sinusoidal alternating current with a constant intensity is applied to the patient's wrists and ankles. The phase angle (PA, ° degree) is measured by the impedance analyser as the phase shift between current and voltage. The phase angle provides conclusions about nutritional status and body composition.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of mental health (measured by WHO (Five) Well-Being Index) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
WHO (Five) Well-Being Index (1998 version) is used to measure Mental Health.The WHO-5 consists of five statements, which respondents rate according to the scale below:
All of the time = 5 Most of the time = 4 More than half of the time = 3 Less than half of the time = 2 Some of the time = 1 At no time = 0. The total raw score, ranging from 0 to 25, is multiplied by 4 to give the final score, with 0 representing the worst imaginable well-being and 100 representing the best imaginable well-being.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of mental health (measured by Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) is used to measure Mental Health. WEMWBS is a 14 item scale of mental well-being covering subjective well-being and psychological functioning, in which all items are worded positively and address aspects of positive mental health. The total score of the 14-item scale WEMWBS is obtained by summing the score for each of the 14 items. The scoring range for each item is from 1 - 5 and the total score is from 14-70.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score general health-related quality of life at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Health-Related Quality of Life measured by the Measurement Model for the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales questionnaire.
On the PedsQL Generic Core Scales, for ease of interpretability, items are reversed scored and linearly transformed to a 0-100 scale, so that higher scores indicate better HRQOL (Health-Related Quality of Life).
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score cancer-related health-related quality of life at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Health-Related Quality of Life measured by the Measurement Model for the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Cancer Module questionnaire.
Scores are transformed to a 0 to 100 scale. Higher scores indicate lower problems.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in gait pattern at yearly intervals up to 5 years
The subject's gait pattern is evaluated using a video- and sensor-based gait analysis system. The following variables will be recorded: velocity, cadence, step length, step width, single and double support and stance.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional mobility (measured by the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire - Walking Scale) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
To assess patients functionality in everyday life the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire - Walking Scale (FAQ) is used. The FAQ is a parent- or self-report walking scale on the patients' general ability to function in their social environment and consists of 10 items. A rating of 6 or lower indicates restricted walking abilities. A score of 10 points is considered as typical/normal.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional mobility (measured by the Functional Gait Index) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
To assess patients functionality in everyday life the Functional Gait Index (FGI) is used.
The FGI evaluates the dynamic balance while walking. The Index consists of 10 items. Each item can be rated with a score from 0 to 3, with 0 equaling a strong impairment. No impairment in functional gait can be observed if a patient reaches the maximum of 30 points.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional mobility (measured by the Timed-up-and-go test) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
To assess patients functionality in everyday life the Timed-up-and-go test (TUG) will be performed.
The TUG refers to the capacity of children and adolescents to do daily activities. The TUG measures the time in seconds required to rise from a sitting position in a standard chair, walk 3m, turn, walk back to the chair and sit down.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Information on comorbidities (including COVID-19 and its potential long-term effects)
List of relevant comorbidities assessed by medical questionnaire and medical records. Descriptive Statistics will be performed.
Measured: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Composite multidimensional socioeconomic status index
Socioeconomic status will be assessed in order to perform a confounder analysis for the main outcome cancer-related fatigue.
The calculation of the socioeconomic status index is based on the dimensions "levels of education", "occupational status" and "income". Scores for each dimension ranged from 1 to a maximum of 7. Since the 3 subscales are included in the calculation with the same weight, the socioeconomic status index can assume values between 3.0 and 21.0. Higher scores mean higher socioeconomic status.
Measured: baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 May 2023
- Study start20 Jun 2023
- Primary completion31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Pediatric OncologyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Joerg Faber, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Investigators
- Joerg Faber, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med., Principal investigator, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Medical Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05867186
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 22-02372
- Acronym
- Kolibri
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2023
- Last updated
- 6 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Fit to Fight Childhood Cancer: An Explorative Long-term Study on Exercise and Its Influence on Physical Performance and Psychosocial Aspects in Childhood Cancer Patients During and After Cancer Treatment.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05867186
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Kolibri / 22-02372
- Conditions
- Pediatric Oncology
- Keywords
- Paediatric exercise oncology, Precision exercise training, Childhood cancer, Quality of life, Gait, Pain, Cardiorespiratory fitness
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Johannes Gutenberg University MainzUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 May 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of exercise on physical performance and psychosocial aspects in children and adolescents with cancer during and after treatment.
Detailed description
The longitudinal, prospective and monocentric cohort study at the University Medical Centre Mainz is based on the Europe-wide, multicentre FORTEe study [NCT05289739]. The Kolibri study aims to complement the FORTEe trial. Kolibri allows the inclusion of patients who are not receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy or who are undergoing oncological aftercare.
The longitudinal design of the study will allow the effects of exercise therapy on cancer-related fatigue, health-related quality of life and other psychosocial outcomes, as well as on physical function, to be monitored over the course of oncological treatment, and will provide conclusions about the effectiveness and benefits of exercise therapy. This will enable the establishment and improvement of exercise therapy protocols, as the effects of the exercise dose applied can be observed and compared over time.
The project will also validate and test the reliability of the Mainz Resilience Score in childhood cancer (MRScc) developed in the FORTEe project. The aim is to establish a validated questionnaire to assess resilience in children and adolescents with cancer, as no questionnaires are currently available.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 3 to 21 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
- Study population
- Eligible are children or adolescents from 3 to 21 years of age with a cancer diagnosis according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC). The term "childhood cancer" is most commonly used to designate cancer that arises in children before the age of 18 years. Since patients older than 18 years (especially in the transition phase from adolescence to young adulthood) can also have paediatric tumour entities, the upper age limit for study inclusion was set at 21 years. The Kolibri study includes patients for whom oncological treatment (regardless of the type of therapy) at the Paediatric Oncology Centre of the University Medical Centre Mainz is planned or already being carried out and who are not in the final stage of the disease.
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Oncological disease according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer.
- Planned or started anti-cancer treatment (chemo- and/or radiotherapy and/or surgery) at the Clinic and Polyclinic for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine of the University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz or connection to the Paediatric Oncology Centre Mainz within the framework of aftercare.
- The patient is assessed by the treating team (pediatric oncologist, exercise professional etc.) as suitable to participate in the trial, e.g. due to medical or psychological reasons.
- Existing informed consent (or assent) to participate in the study.
- The patient is not in a terminal phase of the disease.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- The patient is assessed by the treating team (pediatric oncologist, exercise professional etc.) as unsuitable to participate in the trial, e.g. due to medical or psychological reasons.
- After detailed information and, if necessary, having time to consider, the patient (≥ 16 years of age) did not agree to give written informed consent to participate in the trial. In the case of minor patients (<16 years of age): The legal guardians do not assume that the child/adolescent is able to freely decide on participation or to consent to participation on the basis of the information received, and do not consent to this themselves.
- The patient (and the legal guardians) has/have insufficient knowledge of the German or English language, so that it is not possible to carry out both the informed consent and interviews (in age-appropriate language).
- The patient is in a terminal phase of the disease.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise trainingExercise training during intensive cancer treatment, maintenance therapy and aftercare. Training mainly consists of age-appropriate and personalised endurance, strength, flexibility, balance/coordination and gait training. Exercise is provided 3 to 5 times a week lasting for 45 to 60 minutes under supervision during inpatient and outpatient stays, as well as at home. At home, patients train independently according to the exercise recommendations of the exercise professionals, receive supervised telemedical exercise sessions and/or combine their training with digital tools. | Behavioural | – |
Primary outcome
Change from baseline in cancer-related fatigue score at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Cancer-related fatigue measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. The PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale is composed of 18 items comprising three dimensions. Scores are transformed on a scale from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate lower fatigue.
36 secondary outcomes
Change from baseline in the score of resilience (measured by Mainzer Resilience Scale for childhood cancer (MRScc)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of resilience (measured by the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of resilience (measured by the Child & Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in general self-efficacy score at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of physical exercise self-efficacy at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the risk status of pain-related outcomes at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the subjective pain perception (measured with the face pain scale - revised (FPS-R)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the subjective pain perception (measured via visual analog scale (VAS)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the fear of pain (parents) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of pain vigilance and awareness at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level (measured by the Modifed Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (mRPAQ)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level (measured by the Modified Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire (mYPAQ)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level (measured by the Modified Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire (mCPAQ)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level and behaviour (measured by half-structured interview) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the physical activity level and behaviour at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change in functional capacity at yearly intervals from baseline up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change in submaximal endurance performance (measured by the assisted 6-minute cycling test) at yearly intervals from baseline up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in motor function at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in lower limbs flexibility at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in hamstrings flexibility at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional strength at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in arm/ leg strength at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in static balance (measured by the Static Stand Test) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional/dynamic balance (measured by the Berg Balance Scale) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in phase angle by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis for the examination of body composition at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of mental health (measured by WHO (Five) Well-Being Index) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score of mental health (measured by Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS)) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score general health-related quality of life at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in the score cancer-related health-related quality of life at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in gait pattern at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional mobility (measured by the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire - Walking Scale) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional mobility (measured by the Functional Gait Index) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Change from baseline in functional mobility (measured by the Timed-up-and-go test) at yearly intervals up to 5 years
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Information on comorbidities (including COVID-19 and its potential long-term effects)
Time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years
Composite multidimensional socioeconomic status index
Time frame: baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Aug 2026.
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Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Joerg Faber, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. principal investigator
Johannes-Gutenberg-University Medical Center
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Pediatric Oncology, run by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz at 1 site in Germany.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Elias Dreismickenbecker (00496131178331, fortee@unimedizin-mainz.de), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from baseline in cancer-related fatigue score at yearly intervals up to 5 years (time frame: baseline, after 1 year, after 2 years, after 3 years, after 4 years, after 5 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Aug 2026.